Baisangur Susurkaev: From Difficulty to Success in an Epic Week in the UFC
The story of Baisangur Susurkaev is a tale of perseverance, talent, and a week that will be etched in UFC memory. Just two weeks ago, the only time Susurkaev wasn’t smiling was when his team tried to curb his desire to enjoy a steak. After a first-round knockout in “Dana White’s Contender Series” and obtaining a UFC contract, celebration was inevitable. Susurkaev headed straight to the Herbs & Rye restaurant. However, his team reminded him of the possibility of a fight at UFC 319 in Chicago, just four days away.His manager, Jamie Gall, contacted his partner Dave Martin to get news about the possible fight at UFC 319. The UFC had not responded to his messages, but Martin finally gave in, allowing Susurkaev to enjoy his meal. On August 12, Susurkaev was a Chechen fighter looking for opportunities. Four days later, he was in the octagon in front of a crowd at the United Center and submitted his opponent in the second round. “I haven’t been this excited about a guy in a long time,” declared Dana White, UFC CEO, after Susurkaev’s victory on “DWCS”. This is the story of how Susurkaev reached this moment, revealing the behind-the-scenes details that make his achievement even more impressive.“I told him he would probably order salmon. If the UFC got him a fight, he would have to make weight on Friday. He looked so sad that I told the waiter: ‘Okay, give him a steak, but no salt, no butter, don’t even use oil. Just cooked meat’”.
Jamie Gall, Susurkaev’s manager
The Beginnings: A Path Full of Challenges
Susurkaev was on the verge of abandoning MMA on several occasions. In 2023, he moved to the United States from Chechnya, after several of his sponsors withdrew due to the economic changes resulting from the war between Russia and Ukraine.Alongside his older brother, Tamerlan, also a professional fighter, they settled in Florida. Their talents were evident, training with figures like Kamaru Usman and Robbie Lawler. However, the lack of fights became an obstacle. Between 2024 and the first half of 2025, he only fought twice, which almost led him to abandon his dream. His team struggled to find him opportunities, and the frustration was evident. His management team tried, without success, to secure a place on the “Dana White’s Contender Series” season. Finally, on August 5, the UFC contacted him to offer him a fight. The timing was perfect, as Susurkaev had been training with Khamzat Chimaev.“When the war started, less money was being invested in fighters. So, for me it was, ‘Am I going to stay and find work or am I going to try?’ It was my best friend who told me I had to do it. After hearing his words, I knew I had to try.”
Baisangur Susurkaev
The Ascent: From the Contender Series to the UFC in Four Days
The first week of season 9 of “DWCS” was one of the worst in the history of the series. The UFC held five fights and awarded only two contracts. The bright spot was Susurkaev, who achieved a knockout in the first round. The UFC offered him a fight, and Susurkaev agreed to make his UFC debut four days later against Eric Nolan.The Support: Khamzat Chimaev and Confidence
In Chicago, Susurkaev met with Chimaev, his training partner, and both became the center of attention.Chimaev invited Susurkaev to his room, offering him his credit card to buy new clothes. Susurkaev acquired a new wardrobe for $8,000 and wore a designer watch borrowed from Chimaev.“It was very strange for me. There were cameras every minute, you know? I was ready for everything as far as fighting goes, but not to be famous. In the hotel, the guys wanted photos with me. It was a big, big attention”.
Baisangur Susurkaev
